March 22, 2015 (LifeSiteNews) – Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Catholic archbishop of New York, has sparked renewed outrage among Catholic faithful by congratulating this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade organizers for preserving the “original intent” of the event, despite the inclusion of homosexual groups and the exclusion of pro-life organizations.

In an open letter published on the archdiocesan website two days before the parade, Dolan writes, “I thank those who love and lead the parade for assuring us all that the original intent of the parade, which has flourished for over two-and-a-half centuries – to celebrate the faith, heritage, culture, and tradition of Ireland – is preserved.”

A CBS News video showed Dolan in a jovial mood, embracing NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, who joined the march this year after having boycotted it for its refusal to admit homosexual groups. De Blasio also lauded the “unity” he sees in this year’s parade – another apparent reference to the inclusion of gay groups.

“There's a great spirit – the weather helps – a wonderful sense of unity and friendship, I'd say 'Alleluia' but I can't because it's Lent," Dolan said in the CBS video clip.

The archdiocese did not respond to a request for comment from LifeSiteNews by press time.

Many faithful who commented below the cardinal’s letter expressed their perplexity and dismay at the prelate’s apparent betrayal of Catholic doctrine condemning sodomy as a grave sin.

“It is so sad that the parade this year will have two out and proud ‘gay’ groups marching but not even one pro-life group has been allowed to march,” wrote one reader. “I would say that the Archdiocese has rolled over on this one and the secularists are winning. So, so sad.”

“I agree. It is sad. I really don’t understand what the Cardinal is trying to say in his comments,” responded another reader. “The parade has gone all wrong and the Catholic identity has been destroyed. The organizers are not even active Catholics from what I understand.”

“The sad truth, Your Eminence, is that your decision to serve as Grand Marshal for last year’s Parade was seen as a betrayal by many Catholics. Your words, I am afraid, now have a very hollow ring,” wrote one woman.

Another reader wrote: “The Irish Catholic faith has been erased from the parade. Homosexuality is a sin, which is being celebrated by allowing homosexual groups to march in the parade. It’s unbelievable and very sad.”

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, homosexual acts constitute “grave depravity,” and are “intrinsically disordered,” a doctrine that has been taught throughout the Church’s 2,000-year history. The Catechism also expresses compassion for those who suffer from the temptations associated with same-sex attraction and urges them to a life of chastity.

Cardinal Dolan’s acceptance of homosexual groups in the parade began last year, when an organization of homosexual NBC employees called “[email protected]” was allowed to march under its own banner.

Although organizers claimed that the group simply represented people with homosexual tendencies and had no political agenda, its Facebook page contained material “celebrating” Harvey Milk—a politician and pederast who biographers say sexually abused teenage boys—and advocating homosexual “marriage.”

Dolan openly endorsed the inclusion of the group, breaking decades of precedent set by his predecessors, and even agreed to function as grand marshal of the parade. “I have no trouble with the decision at all,” Cardinal Dolan said at a press conference. “I think the decision is a wise one.”

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